As the cooler days of September close in, Niagara begins its most beautiful season. Grab a sweater, pack the basket and grab the blanket on your way out the door. Picnic season has arrived!

Here are some top spots to make a stop and take in the last days of summer in our beautiful corner of the world.

Charles Daly Park

Located in Jordan Station just off the QEW, Charles Daly Park is the perfect spot to unpack and unwind. With a beach, big playground and plenty of picnic tables, this spot was designed with family relaxation in mind.

Queenston Heights Park

Steeped in history, this location offers an opportunity to relax or ramp up the play day with a water fountain, massive playground, outdoor tennis courts and more. You also have the opportunity to educate in the midst of where history was made with the monument to Sir Isaac Brock and the incredible geographic landscape of the Niagara Gorge.

Fireman’s Park

Niagara Falls has plenty of tourist favourite locations to throw down a blanket, but we thought we would draw your attention to a local treasure. Fireman’s Park is located on Mountain Road (at Dorchester Road) and is home to a few special features that might satisfy every member of your family. Beyond the picturesque forests and beautiful open space this location is home to a dog park, hiking trails and plenty of perfect locations for your picnic lunch. (You’ll hear about this park again when we cover the best tobogganing spots in Niagara… this place takes the cake!)

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

This is a very special spot and it is just the right time of year to start visiting for crisp and beautiful sunsets. Beamer has long been thought to have the most beautiful Niagara sunsets, but also as the autumn months draw near you will start to see the annual hawk migration. With the sunsets in mind, this might be just the destination you’ve been seeking for that romantic picnic for two (just make sure that your vino is VQA!)

Comfort Maple

The Comfort Maple is a Niagara institution. More than 500 years old, enormous, unique in shape and look, this tree has been the site of numerous Niagara proposals, family get-togethers and is the home to many memories. There are plaques about Niagara heritage and you can see bricks in the tree that were used to help protect the tree from disease. It is an awe-inspiring sight and the perfect location for your quintessential Niagara picnic.